watchful

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "watchful" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is alert and observant, often in a protective or cautious manner. Example: "The watchful mother kept an eye on her children as they played in the park."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

All the while, Nick keeps a watchful eye on the large digital clock.

The Guardian

But if he doesn't, it will come to seem like an omen on a night when the public reminded the politicians that, however watchful and untrusting voters might be, they are also intensely, even ruthlessly engaged.

The Guardian

Related: Northern Ireland keeps watchful eye on gay marriage vote across the border Irish citizens have been sharing photographs and stories on social media as they travel home to vote in the gay marriage referendum.

The Guardian

I do not think I've ever met anyone more watchful, interested or quicker to turn an answer into a question.

The Guardian - Film

From sleepovers to sweet distribution, fairness is the watchful eye of jealous siblings.

The Guardian - Opinion

As evenings draw in, relatives lay out mattresses on the floor, supplied by the hospital, in preparation for another sleepless, watchful night.

The Guardian

"In the film Saint-Ex is surrounded by women under the watchful eye of Consuelo, who we see driving the boat; he is telling jokes and laughing and being charming and lovely.

The Guardian

But he will be keeping a watchful eye over the ITV juggernaut when it airs with a new-look format in an attempt to turn around a fall in viewing figures.

The Guardian

Under the watchful stare of her father-in-law, Nargis says she felt "shy" on her wedding day.

The Guardian

The gangly, spotty, watchful outsiders of today's Stockport might have a new focal point for the stories they want to tell.

The Guardian

Thinking back about our unlikely friendship, I realise that Jane, ever reticent, ever watchful, tested me in gentle ways until trust developed.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "watchful" to convey a sense of protective observation or careful monitoring. It is suitable when you want to emphasize attentiveness to potential risks or changes in a situation.

Common error

While "watchful" is grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or stiff in casual conversation. Opt for alternatives like "attentive" or "observant" to maintain a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "watchful" primarily functions to describe a state of being observant and attentive. Ludwig provides examples showcasing its use in diverse contexts, ranging from describing a "watchful eye" to portraying individuals as "watchful" observers.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Formal & Business

32%

Science

32%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "watchful" is a versatile adjective that denotes attentiveness and vigilance. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its grammatical status is correct, and it enjoys very common usage across various domains, notably in news, business, and scientific contexts. While synonyms such as "vigilant" and "alert" offer nuanced alternatives, "watchful" effectively conveys protective observation. When writing, remember to use "watchful" in appropriate contexts and consider alternatives for informal settings to avoid sounding overly formal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

vigilant

Implies a proactive and careful observation, especially to detect potential danger or difficulties.

alert

Suggests a state of readiness and quick responsiveness to potential threats or changes.

observant

Highlights the act of paying close attention and noticing details.

attentive

Emphasizes the act of giving careful attention to someone or something.

circumspect

Implies caution and careful consideration of all circumstances before acting.

guarded

Suggests a cautious and reserved approach, often due to suspicion or distrust.

on guard

Indicates a state of readiness to defend against potential threats.

heedful

Stresses the importance of paying attention to advice or warnings.

mindful

Implies awareness and consideration of something important.

canny

Suggests shrewdness and caution in one's dealings or actions.

FAQs

How can I use "watchful" in a sentence?

You can use "watchful" to describe someone or something that is alert and observant, often in a protective way. For example, "The "watchful guard" patrolled the perimeter".

What are some synonyms for "watchful"?

Alternatives to "watchful" include "vigilant", "alert", and "observant". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "watchful" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "watchful" is suitable for formal writing. It conveys a sense of serious attention and monitoring, making it appropriate for reports, essays, and professional communications.

What is the difference between "watchful" and "wary"?

"Watchful" implies careful observation, while "wary" suggests caution and distrust. A person can be "watchful" without being wary, but someone who is wary is likely also watchful.